John Paul Baumgardner

WWII veteran worked for Columbia Gas. John Paul Baumgardner, 80, of Washington, died Thursday, February 23, 2006, in Kade Nursing Home, Washington, following a two-year illness. He was born January 7, 1926, in Washington, a son of Paul and Ethel Gray Baumgardner. Mr. Baumgardner attended Trinity High School. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Nevada in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. He received the European Theater Ribbon with two stars, Pacific Theater Ribbon with three stars, American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal. Mr. Baumgardner worked in customer service at Columbia Gas for 35 years. He was a member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191, a charter member of South Strabane Township Fire Department 2 and a life member of USS Nevada Association. On September 25, 1948, he married Anna Apache, who died May 9, 2002. Surviving are three sons, Kirk Baumgardner of Berea, Ky., Kent Baumgardner of North Fort Myers, Fla., and Kary Baumgardner of Washington; a daughter, Carol Dean of Washington; a brother, George Baumgardner of Washington; a sister, Kathryn Boardley of Washington; nine grandchildren, Shawn, Shane, Sera and Adam Baumgardner, Cheri Varner, Max and Kyle Dean, David Briggs and Elma Dupain; and four great-grandchildren. Deceased are three brothers, Charles, Carl Sr. and Earl Baumgardner; and three sisters, Margaret Fritschle, Ethel Boardley and Sarah McKinney. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, February 27, with the Rev. Elizabeth Hewett officiating. Burial will follow in Prosperity Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175. The family suggests memorial contributions to Three Rivers Hospice or the charity of one's choice.